Shaakira is an accomplished Attorney of the High Court, having been admitted in 2019. Her legal journey began at a prestigious firm in Gauteng, specializing in Insolvency Law, Business Rescue, and Restructuring. During her articles, Shaakira demonstrated exceptional aptitude and dedication, leading to her promotion to Associate immediately after her admission. She was entrusted with managing the firm’s Business Rescue and Restructuring Department, showcasing her leadership and expertise.
Her extensive experience is further underscored by her completion of the highly respected SARIPA qualification in Insolvency Law in 2019, earning distinctions. Since 2017, Shaakira has been involved in high-profile Business Rescue and Restructuring matters, gaining invaluable experience and becoming a trusted figure in the local Insolvency and Business Rescue landscape. In 2022, Shaakira took her career to new heights by joining SNG Grant Thornton’s Financial Services Division, She later moved over to the newly established Corporate Finance and Restructuring Division of SNG Grant Thornton in 2023 where she continues to make significant strides in the field.
Shaakira’s impressive career includes an exceptional one-year hybrid secondment to the Recovery & Reorganisation Division of Grant Thornton’s Channel Islands member firm. During this time, she honed her skills in navigating complex cross-border restructuring and liquidation matters, with expertise spanning multiple jurisdictions, including the Channel Islands, British Virgin Islands, Qatar, UK, Brazil, Belgium, and Cyprus.
Currently, Shaakira plays a pivotal role in managing the largest business rescue of a state-owned entity in South Africa—the South African Post Office SOC Ltd. She is responsible for overseeing key initiatives within the project, supporting the Business Rescue Practitioners, and spearheading the drafting and implementation of the Business Rescue Plan. Shaakira’s leadership and strategic guidance continue to drive the success of this critical national project.
Shaakira’s unwavering dedication to excellence, combined with her vast experience in high-stakes insolvency and business rescue matters, positions her as a leading figure in the field. With a proven track record of success in both local and international markets, she continues to make impactful contributions to the insolvency landscape, particularly in complex cross-border restructuring and the revitalization of critical national entities. Her strategic insight and leadership will undoubtedly continue to shape the future of business rescue and restructuring in South Africa and beyond.
